Biological and psychological factors by themselves account for a relatively small proportion of criminal violent behavior. Violent crime is primarily a phenomenon of large cities perpetrated by a disproportionate number of young minority males and disproportionately concentrated in ghetto-slum, inner city, and barrio neighorhoods. This suggests that violent crime is related to relative deprivation caused by economic powerlessness rooted in unemployment and low wages, which often stem from racism. For those experiencing such powerlessness in a society that equates power and status with wealth, the development and perpetration of patterns of intimidation and criminal pursuits to obtain money and show dominance over others are logical consequences. Indigenous self-help programs offer the best hope for changing these criminogenic influences. The Eisenhower Foundation for the Prevention of Violence is seeking to facilitate the development of neighborhood self-help groups by (1) identifying and investing in the core of natural, indigenous neighborhood leaders; (2) establishing block watches, patrols, escort services, and related ways to increase social cohesion and a sense of territory; (3) establishing ways in which youth are employed as doers rather than as recipients of help from outsiders; (4) pursuing ways to rechannel illegal market activity by youth into legal market; (5) establishing social cohesion among senior citizens through involvement as coworkers in community crime prevention; and (6) pursuing efforts that have proven themselves elsewhere and fit local circumstances.